Time to sell USA Made Craftsman?

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have been watching double box end wrench sets on Ebay lately and I couldn't help but notice the prices people are paying for USA made Craftsman tools in "new" condition! I have never been particularly impressed with Craftsman's hardline tools, but I'm just as upset as everyone else that they are moving production over seas. With that said, if I had Craftsman tools that I could sell as "new" on Ebay, they would be gone in a heart beat! In a lot of cases you can buy tool truck products for the same price or less on Ebay.

For example, this set went for $180.50 after shipping.......
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-Metric-12-pt-Box-End-Wrench-15-pc-Set-Made-USA-/271377623238?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&nma=true&si=bI7nT3d0SMTy%252FjQMLGIzCU9osB4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Obviously, people are willing to pay a premium for USA made Craftsman as you can buy those same current production wrenches for $127.97 (12pc $83.99 + 30x27mm $20.99, 28x32mm $21.99, 30x32mm $22.99). Maybe people are just stupid and get caught up in the heat of an auction, or they just assume they are getting a deal? After using CM raised panel wrenches on our race cars, I don't think I would pay a premium for them.

FWIW, I ended up paying $100 shipped for a set of new full polished Granco's. I probably could have found a better deal if I was willing to wait until I stumbled across something, but Granco is a rarely seen USA manufacturer, so I think that's pretty cool.

 

[Jrussell86]

I have had the same thoughts myself I have quite a bit of Craftsman hardline that would almost pass for new. I always thought it was ok until the day my uncle gave me my first Snap On ratchet lol.

 

[Farmall450]

I'm going to hang onto my cman USA sockets and such but I could probably love without a few ratchets...

 

[lightning02]

if anyone has a new set of Metric combination wrenches they want to sell let me know. 6-32mm

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

if anyone has a new set of Metric combination wrenches they want to sell let me know. 6-32mm

Look up Easco sets on Ebay. They are similar to a CM raised panel, but I find them to be of overall better quality. They can be had for $100 or less for a 16 piece set.

 

[NHBandit]

Smaller sets aren't selling. At least not mine. Been running a set of Metric RP combination wrenches in Ebay for a couple weeks now 7-18mm USA made, with an opening bid that's less than Sears sold them for and getting no bids. Ready to put them in a bag and throw them behind the seat of my truck as a road set.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I have been watching double box end wrench sets on Ebay lately and I couldn't help but notice the prices people are paying for USA made Craftsman tools in "new" condition! I have never been particularly impressed with Craftsman's hardline tools, but I'm just as upset as everyone else that they are moving production over seas. With that said, if I had Craftsman tools that I could sell as "new" on Ebay, they would be gone in a heart beat! In a lot of cases you can buy tool truck products for the same price or less on Ebay.

For example, this set went for $180.50 after shipping.......
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-Metric-12-pt-Box-End-Wrench-15-pc-Set-Made-USA-/271377623238?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&nma=true&si=bI7nT3d0SMTy%252FjQMLGIzCU9osB4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Obviously, people are willing to pay a premium for USA made Craftsman as you can buy those same current production wrenches for $127.97 (12pc $83.99 + 30x27mm $20.99, 28x32mm $21.99, 30x32mm $22.99). Maybe people are just stupid and get caught up in the heat of an auction, or they just assume they are getting a deal? After using CM raised panel wrenches on our race cars, I don't think I would pay a premium for them.

FWIW, I ended up paying $100 shipped for a set of new full polished Granco's. I probably could have found a better deal if I was willing to wait until I stumbled across something, but Granco is a rarely seen USA manufacturer, so I think that's pretty cool.

That's the one.

 

[oldldh]

I like mine....

And I plan on keeping and using them until I take that long dirt nap...

My educated guess is that in the future the price will peak at 150% of the original retail, with a premium being paid for "New or Unused" condition...

SnapOn they ain't, but the nut doesn't know...

 

[Bib Overalls]

I have started buying them out of the dumped all together, look for what you want box at the pawn shop. Mostly cheap off shore junk. But occasionally I will spy a USA CM. Mixed together like that they tend to stand out. The quality of the finish is the givaway.

 

[pfbz]

I've never been a huge fan of Craftsman tools even when they were made in the USA (a few exceptions), but I have to say I bought my first 'import' Craftsman and I was really astounded at the poor finish and lack of quality control...

It was one of those hex/torx/e-torx kits normally $100 on sale for $25, but after a closer look it's worth about what I paid for it. HF stuff has a nicer finish.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I've never been a huge fan of Craftsman tools even when they were made in the USA (a few exceptions), but I have to say I bought my first 'import' Craftsman and I was really astounded at the poor finish and lack of quality control...

It was one of those hex/torx/e-torx kits normally $100 on sale for $25, but after a closer look it's worth about what I paid for it. HF stuff has a nicer finish.

Still a good deal for that. Their complete e-torx set alone is like 35 bucks most of the time; you didn't get a complete set but lots of assorted crapla in that one. Still lifetime as far as I know.

I don't know man, the finish on the chinese craftsman is very similar to the finish on the old usa down to the laser socket design. Not that they'll hold up the same but simply looking at them most people won't be able to tell. I saw a clearance set of deep sockets and I thought they were usa until I looked at the back. The real problem I have with it is that the prices didn't come down to match the coo; of course, they're not the ones making the stuff, it's apex for most of it as I recall.

 

[cburnscrx]

I think there are a variety of reason for this, not the least of which is when the USA stuff is gone it's gone. My great grandfather used Craftsman USA, my grandfather did, as did my father. It's an icon beyond what the actual wrench is worth. It's the same reason people are restoring the block grinders, or "show us your crown top love". Its why there is a thread about dates and manufactures of Craftsman tools over the years.

I fall into this category, though I am a much more selective shopper when it comes to pricing. In the last year (after finding out CM is leaving USA) I've purchased the following Craftsman USA tools...

Craftsman 12pt raised panel in both SAE and Metric. Still need the 25 through 30 and the 1-1/4 and the 1-5/16

Completed my Craftsman 6pt raised panel set so I have every one offered

Craftsman Professional long pattern full polish wrench set in SAE and metric including the large sizes

Craftsman Professional flare nut wrench set - SAE and MM

Craftsman full polish offset wrench set - SAE and MM - all 12 pieces

Craftsman ultimate socket set - every socket in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 they carry today

Craftsman wood chisels - 6pc set

Craftsman pry bar set and the long add on

Craftsman Professional snap ring pliers

Filled in Craftsman Professional screwdrivers with any I didn't have

Craftsman Professional beak neck adjustable in 10" and "6

Craftsman Professional wire cutters

Craftsman Professional needle nose

Craftsman 14" pipe wrench

A spare set of raised panel in both SAE and MM for my travel tools

...and that's just what I can think of without leaving my couch. I am sure there is more if I walk out to the garage.

Now why did I buy all that stuff? Because when it's gone, in order to get the same quality (and USA made), I'll pay a lot more for the same product. Just look at the Armstrong long pattern full polish combo wrenches compared to their Craftsman Pro counterparts, the price is double if not more. And here's the thing, I am not a USA or nothing guy. I have plenty of tools made in China, Taiwan, India, and who knows where else. For the most part if it gets the job done, it gets the job done. That being said, if the price is close, I'll probably get the USA set and once Craftsman USA is gone, so is that opportunity.

 

[kenburkholz]

I think I have figured out why everybody is in a Cman U.S.A. buying frenzy. It is like losing an old friend. You could always go down and buy tools, that were always of a known quantity. You knew what you were getting. Now we can see that going away and we will miss it! Now we get to go to Lousies, or Home Desperate, and see if it is China or Taiwan making the tools this week. Ken.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I just went through and bought all new Craftsman Made In USA Box/Open Raised Panel wrenches in both Std,MM. In hindsight I might have spent that money on the ratcheting Gearwrench sets.

I have never owned a set of ratchet wrenches so I have reservations about switching wrench styles. I have been wrenching for over 20 years and never used a ratchet wrench yet.

 

[DennisR]

Maybe people are just stupid and get caught up in the heat of an auction

This.

 

[WallyKowalski]

I too have been buying up US made CM tools and whenever I go to the 5 different Sears stores in the area, I always bump into another person doing the same thing. And then we get into a discussion with some young kid at the register that couldn't give a rats *** because he grew up knowing nothing but buying tools from HF.

Yes, time to sell, and people will pay a premium. Hopefully one day Sears will wake up and figure out its time to bring the manufacturing back home. The Chinese made tools are ****.

 

[Banjorear]

Man, I feel pretty good that I picked up one of each 26 pc. US-made metric and standard combo wrench sets when they were on sale for $39.99.

I was thinking of deep sixing the plastic holding/carying case, but maybe I should hold on to it.

 

[cagullett1]

I have recently purchased Craftsman Professional combo wrenches and sets covering 7mm-25mm and 1/4-1 5/16. I've also purchased the 18 pc deep socket sets for all 3 drives and an extra set of 1/2" drive shallow sockets.

While the Professional wrenches have all been nice, I have been very dissapointed in the USA Cman sockets. I don't use these daily, but these things have NO consistency. I've exchanged half of them because the chrome between each socket is different. Half have them chromed inside, and the other half only have the outside chromed. This looks kind of funny in my box with the sockets standing up, as if I have 4 different brands of sockets, all made in China. I had to double check to make sure each socket was marked "USA" because I was so suprised in the lack of consistency. I did have 1 Professional wrench that I exchanged as well because it was blocky in the handle, just like the Chinese versions.

Now that I'm set with sockets and wrenches, I am done with buying anymore Craftsman. Anyone else have the same issue with the sockets?

 

[cburnscrx]

...Anyone else have the same issue with the sockets?

Yea, my ultimate set had some issues with the chrome/paint. Nothing terrible, but inconsistent to say the least. There was some overspray with the paint, but it was easily cleaned up with some goof off. My older Craftsman's were finished better thats for sure. However, if they get the job done I'll be happy.

 

[zakmartin]

Holy ****! I bought a Metric and SAE set of those wrenches on clearance about 8 months ago for $29 each. They're sitting in my garage in the Sears bag I brought them home in and the tools haven't even been out of their vinyl pouches yet. It's definitely time to sell.

 

[Farmall450]

Holy ****! I bought a Metric and SAE set of those wrenches on clearance about 8 months ago for $29 each. They're sitting in my garage in the Sears bag I brought them home in and the tools haven't even been out of their vinyl pouches yet. It's definitely time to sell.

I did too, I think mine was like 12 each, my dad also got both sets, but I think I'll hold on to them...not sure why, but I don't want to just scrap 'em out on eBay.